JAKARTA, Aug 15 — President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia which had been rocked by terrorist bombings will not succumb to terrorism.
Himself a target for terrorists, Susilo assured that the government would continue to protect the country’s 230 million people.
“I want to stress that the nation cannot and will not succumb to terrorism.
My government will continue to protect and bring peace to Indonesians,” he said in a state address from parliament here today.
He said stability which had recently returned to Indonesia was marred by the bombing of two luxury hotels last month.
The incident on July 17 killed nine people and injured more than 50 others.
Indonesian police then launched a massive operation to track the bombers, leading to the killing of three suspected terrorists planning to bomb Susilo’s house in Cikeas, Bogor.
They also recovered 500kg of explosives to be used during the bomb attack.
“Terrorists want us to live in fear. Indonesians are strong people who can stand up to challenges, including terrorism.
Susilo said acts of violence like bombings were inhuman as it affected innocent victims from many countries.
He said the violence was taking on a new twist as the terrorists planned to fight their own country by assassinating the head of state.
The Indonesian police were also commended for its untiring efforts in fighting terrorism.
Susilo who was re-elected for a second term last month urged Indonesians to be united in the fight against terrorism by protecting the young from extremists.
“Help the authorities by giving information on terrorists in our midst.
Terrorism has its roots in poverty, backwardness and injustice,” he said. – Bernama
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